Morocco Strengthens Its Leadership Role in Climate Action on the African Continent
During the ClimAfrica Forum held in Morocco, Coo Barret, the Assistant Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), praised the kingdom’s role in enhancing climate action across Africa, particularly in the areas of renewable energy and green financing.
Barret stated, “We thank the Moroccan government for its leadership and hosting of this major gathering, which brings together the African meteorological community with a single goal: to build a more resilient Africa in the face of climate change.”
Strengthening National Meteorological Services
The UN official emphasized that having strong, well-equipped national meteorological and hydrological services is the “foundation of climate resilience.” She commended the ambitious institutional reform being undertaken by the Moroccan Meteorological Service to become a public institution capable of carrying out its missions more efficiently.
Barret called on other African meteorological services to enhance their capabilities to ensure the provision of reliable and accessible services for all.
Clear Priorities for the Continent: Early Warning, Innovation, and Financing
Barret identified three main priorities for Africa:
- Development of multi-hazard early warning systems.
- Innovation and digital transformation in meteorology.
- Strengthening partnerships for climate resilience financing.
She explained that these focal points aim primarily to save lives, protect livelihoods, and support sustainable and inclusive development.
The “Early Warning for All” program has contributed to a 130% increase in the number of countries equipped with warning systems between 2015 and 2024, with Africa currently having 23 countries with effective warning systems while 44 countries use a common alert protocol to disseminate climate warnings.
Digital Transformation as a Lever for Progress
Barret highlighted the role of the digital revolution in transforming the climate information value chain across the continent, utilizing artificial intelligence, big data, and mobile platforms to provide tailored information for farmers, the health sector, and sustainable urban planning.
In 2025, the World Meteorological Organization supported 44 African institutions in updating their services, with 70% of African countries using the open-source Klimweb platform. Additionally, 1,000 new observation stations have joined the global network in the past two years, making Africa one of the most active regions in enhancing climate coverage.
Innovative Partnerships and Financing
Barret emphasized the importance of regional partnerships and South-South cooperation, stating, “Climate, water, and weather know no national borders.”
She also mentioned the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOF), which supports 24 African countries with over $60 million. The SOF Impact Bond is designed to stimulate additional resources and increase climate data sharing fivefold, with a formal presentation planned during COP30 in Belgium.
Africa as a Region of Solutions and Leadership
Barret concluded her remarks by calling for accelerated alert systems, strengthened meteorological services, and support for digital transformation, affirming that Africa is not merely a zone of vulnerability, but a region of solutions, talent, and leadership, urging stakeholders to view climate resilience as an investment in stability and sustainable development.
The World Meteorological Organization thus reaffirms its commitment to supporting African countries in transforming climate challenges into opportunities and building a continent better prepared to face climate risks.
